Acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) is the most severe form of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and is associated with a high risk of dying in the short term. Corticosteroids are generally recommended in patients with severe AAH, but its use is still controverted and contraindicated in case of active infection or gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, alternative therapeutic options are needed.Ethanol consumption results in the depletion of endogenous antioxidant capabilities and patients with ALD have evidence of antioxidant deficiencies.Due to its effects on glutathion stores restoration and as such the limitation of the oxidative stress and its good tolerance and safety profile, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an attractive agent for the treatment of AAH.In this context, we hypothesized that NAC might be beneficial in severe AAH.

placebo perfusion for 14 days Beside usual meals patients must receive at least 27 kcal/kg/day enteral nutrition for 14 days

Drug: placebo

Glucosé 5% perfusion for 14 days, intravenously

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Biopsy proven alcoholic hepatitis

Severe disease defined by a Maddrey score superior to 32

Exclusion Criteria:

Neoplastic disease compromising 6 months survival

HIV patients

Hepatorenal syndrome

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00962442